Main Entry: ca·thar·sis

Variant(s): also ka·thar·sis \kə-ˈthär-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ca·thar·ses also ka·thar·ses \-ˌsēz\

1 : purgation
2 : elimination of a complex by bringing it to consciousness and affording it expression—compare abreaction